Effect of Pre-Cesarean Section Wound Care Guidelines on Occurrence of Post-Operative Infection among Women /

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Lecturer in Maternity & Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing -Beni-suf University

2 Professor of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing – Menoufia University

3 Assistant Professor of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Beni-suf University

Abstract

Background: A cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made through a woman's abdomen and uterus to deliver her baby. Surgical site infections are a common complication among cesarean section patients. Further, SSIs increase maternal morbidity, stay in the hospital and the cost of treatment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of applying of pre-cesarean section wound care guidelines on occurrence of postoperative infection among women. Methods: The quasi-experimental design was utilized. Sample: A purposive sample consisted of two hundred pregnant women undergoing cesarean section. Setting: The study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynecological Department & outpatient clinic at Beni-suef University Hospital in Beni-suef Governorate, Egypt. Instruments: An interviewing questionnaire, self-care practice tool, and follow-up assessment tool. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in postoperative infection in the study group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The women in the study group who applied wound care guidelines were less exposed to cesarean section incision infection than those who had not received wound care guidelines. Recommendations: More knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to cesarean wound healing need to be corrected. Self-wound care guidelines should be incorporated as an essential part of routine antenatal care and post-partum before discharge after a cesarean section.

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